Clarence Takeya Arai (1901-1963) was an active member of Seattle's Japanese American community, best known for his instrumental role in the formation of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL). In 1924, he became the first Japanese American to graduate from the University of Washington Law School. Arai was active in local politics and served as vice president of the 37th Legislative District Republican Club and as a state delegate to the Republican convention. In 1934, he ran an unsuccessful campaign for a seat in the state legislature. During Work War II he was interned at Minidoka Relocation Center in Hunt, Idaho.
After Arai retired from law practice he devoted his time to photography. His photos were exhibited all over the country and internationally, and he was honored by the Photographic Society of America.